Most common 2012 Volvo S80 problems
Share of the 8 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volvo S80 complaints by model year
Best S80 years: 2011, 2005, 2012. Years to avoid: 2001, 2002, 2004, 2003, 2008. Compare all years →
2012 Volvo S80 recalls (3)
Seat belts › Front
Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 s80 vehicles. A software error May prevent the transmission from downshifting such as shifting from fifth to fourth gear when coasting.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the software to the transmission control module, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 10, 2012. Owners May contact Volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.
Electrical system › Wiring
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2012 s60, xc60, s80 and xc70 vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2011, through October 6, 2011. In these vehicles, the wire harness under the front seats May have not been attached properly to the seat frame.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, secure the seat wire harness. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on April 12, 2012.
2012 Volvo S80 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Volvo S80 a good car?
Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 S80 rates average: 36% fewer complaints than a typical year of the S80 at the same age. It is one of the best S80 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Volvo S80?
The wheels & tires — 2 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about pressure monitoring and regulating systems. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (1) and suspension (1).
How many recalls does the 2012 Volvo S80 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2012 Volvo S80, the most recent from June 30, 2020 (front). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volvo S80?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2005 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001, 2002, 2004, 2003 and 2008. See the full Volvo S80 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Volvo S80 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 57,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.